Youth Programs

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR IN PERSON LEARNING

All students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks. There will be no snack. Social distancing will be practiced inside, with classes held in Memorial Hall, our largest space. Weather permitting, class will be held outside.

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM

The BJC Youth Education Program provides a warm, lively, and creative environment in which students develop a solid understanding of Judaism and a positive Jewish identity. Students also acquire the skills and ethics necessary to become responsible and motivated members of Jewish and diverse communities that make up our world. 

We welcome all students without regard to gender, race, creed, color, religious background, sexual orientation, sexual identity, or origin. Our membership includes Jews from traditional and liberal religious backgrounds, secular Jews, intermarried couples, and their families. BJC welcomes students who have not yet enjoyed an organized religious school model as they begin to reach traditional B’nai Mitzvah age.

SCHEDULE

KITAH V'KHUG (Class and Club): GRADES K-3, GRADES 4-6

First two Saturdays of the month- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Twice weekly online 20 minute Hebrew sessions

 

MASHEHU M'YUCHAD (Something Special): ALL GRADES

Third Saturday of the month- 1:00 PM -5:00 PM (Oct and Nov), 4:00 PM-6:00 PM remainder of school year

 

B'NAI MITZVAH PREP CLASS- GRADE 7

 

TICHON GRADES 8-10

First Saturday of the month- 10:30 AM- 12:00 PM 

Tichon students have the opportunity to be Madrichim for the younger grades

For full schedule and curriculum click here.

HEBREW

No More Midweek Commute:  Twice Weekly 1:1 Hebrew Instruction with our Gifted Teachers!

BJC has the solution to the DC traffic blues and challenges faced by working parents. Our online Midweek Hebrew School consists of two intensive 20-minute session each week with individual attention from a BJC teacher to help your child progress at his or her own pace. It offers Hebrew reading through an interactive Judaic curriculum. Students learn how to read the Hebrew language, learn the prayers necessary to become B’nai Mitzvah and participate in Jewish worship, and gain a love for Judaism while learning about Jewish tradition.

CURRICULUM

Our experienced staff uses a variety of teaching methods, including social action projects, field trips, art, music, plays, text, crafts, games, and cooking.  

Weekend classes take place in person at BJC. In addition to reinforcement of the weekday online Hebrew curriculum, students also experience and learn about Jewish holidays, culture, history, dance, and music, with time built into the school day for building community.

Our older students also spend time in discussion with their teachers, focusing on the social justice issues of the day with an emphasis on the underlying principles and tenets of Judaism. Our students in the 10th grade form the Confirmation Class. Confirmation is held in conjunction with Shavuot. Working with the Rabbi, the students create the service.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

In addition to Youth Education classes, BJC offers a wide array of special events through the year that help children learn about and connect to their Jewish heritage, including:

• High Holiday Family Services
• Kids Kiddush
• Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Celebration
• Hanukkah Latke Breakfast
• Purim Carnival
• Passover Seder
• Shabbat Under the Stars
• Cultural and service events

B'NAI MITZVAH

At BJC, B’nai Mitzvah is a personalized experience that embraces each child and all family members regardless of religious background. Rabbi Schnitzer works closely with each student, preparing him or her for this important milestone in leading a Shabbat service.

FEES

BJC will work with any family if youth education fees present a challenge.

Any new family enrolling students in Hebrew School receives a free year long membership at BJC . We offer a significant tuition discount if enrolling multiple children. 

JUDAIC STUDIES AND AFTERNOON ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

• One child:            $1120
• Two children:     $1815
• Three children:  $2405

HEBREW ONLINE SESSIONS

• One child:            $445
• Two children:     $810
• Three children:  $985

TICHON

• Per student:         $485

To learn more about the BJC Youth Education program, contact Amy Rubenstein, Education Committee chair, by clicking here.